Maldives Arrests Former President

Police in Maldives have arrested former president Mohamed Nasheed. He was arrested Monday for failing to appear at a hearing to face charges that he illegally ordered the arrest of a judge.

Mohamed Nasheed

Became Maldives' first democratically elected president in 2008

Replaced Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

Was a political prisoner during parts of Mr. Gayoom's rule

Held a cabinet meeting underwater in scuba gear to publicize dangers of rising sea levels

Forced to resign in February, 2012 after protests following his order to arrest a senior judge

Police say Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader, will remain in custody until he is taken to court in the capital, Male.

The former president has ignored a court case against him related to the detention of a judge during the last days of his rule earlier this year. He has refused to follow orders to appear at the hearing and stay in the capital.

Nasheed was forced from office in February after his order to arrest a senior judge sparked three weeks of protests.

His former deputy, Waheed Hassan, was sworn in as president hours after Nasheed resigned.